Kitty Laing, the head of comedy at United Agents, is currently under investigation by the top talent agency in the UK. This investigation comes after Laing reposted and shared content on social media that was highly critical of Israel during their ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The agency, United Agents, released a statement on their official Twitter account, acknowledging the situation and stating that the views expressed by Laing do not represent the agency as a whole. They also announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted immediately.
As the head of comedy at United Agents, Laing represents a number of comedy writers, actors, and sketch comedy artists, including Michelle Asante, Jamie Demetriou, Jack Brett Anderson, and Dan Harry and Ollie King. United Agents is a well-established talent agency that represents clients in various entertainment mediums such as film, TV, theater, radio, and digital platforms. They also provide representation for their clients in concert tours.
The controversial reposts made by Kitty Laing have since been taken down and are no longer accessible. Laing, in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, issued an apology for her social media shares. She expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging her naivety and the harm that misinformation on social media can cause. Laing admitted that she should have taken the time to consider the validity of the information before sharing it.
Prior to the investigation, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lee Kern, known for his work on “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” drew attention to Laing’s critical posts about Israel. In a tweet thread, Kern called out Laing, stating that he does not need to defer to agents since he achieved his success without one. He also criticized her posts and expressed his willingness to find alternate ways to make a living if necessary.
Lee Kern’s reposts of Laing’s content also highlighted that she portrayed Israeli victims as “legitimate” military targets in war crimes. This further intensified the controversy surrounding her social media activity.
The investigation into Laing’s actions follows a similar situation involving Maha Dakhil, the co-chief of the motion pictures department at CAA (Creative Artists Agency). Dakhil stepped away from her leadership role at the talent agency after her own Instagram Stories reposts critical of Israel garnered backlash.
The investigation into Kitty Laing’s social media activity demonstrates the serious repercussions that can arise from sharing controversial or inflammatory content online. In a highly charged and sensitive political climate, it is crucial for individuals, especially those in influential positions, to exercise caution and thoughtfulness when engaging with sensitive issues on social media.
United Agents’ swift response to the situation highlights their commitment to addressing and rectifying any potential damage caused by the actions of their employees. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Kitty Laing will face as a result of her controversial social media activity.
This incident serves as a reminder to individuals in positions of influence that their actions on social media can have significant impacts not only on their personal reputation but also on their professional standing and the reputation of the organizations they represent. It underscores the importance of responsible and respectful online behavior, particularly during times of heightened tension or conflict.
In conclusion, Kitty Laing, the head of comedy at United Agents, is currently under investigation for sharing critical content about Israel on social media. This incident has sparked both internal and external scrutiny, highlighting the need for individuals to exercise caution and responsibility when expressing their views online. As the investigation progresses, the consequences of Laing’s actions will become clearer, further emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and respectful engagement on social media platforms.
